Winch delivery system
AssigneeFlyby Robotics, Inc.
InventorsJason Huishen Lu, Xuan-Truc Nguyen, Gursimran Bains, Ryan Des Cotes, Joseph Luc Boucher, Max Green
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present specification provides a device and method for controlling a winch parcel delivery system through an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone. The example apparatus contemplates the use of a winch that will attach to a hook with active and passive release mechanisms through a winch line. The apparatus is enabled to attach to a parachute recovery system. The apparatus can detect when the ground has been reached to enable safe delivery of parcels. The apparatus can removably attach to various types of drones.
Claims20
A winch delivery system for connection to an underside of a drone, the winch delivery system comprising:
- a housing including an attachment mechanism for connection to the drone;
- a motor within the housing for generating a rotational force at first speed;
- a gear assembly within the housing connected to the motor for translating the first speed into a second speed lower than the first speed;
- a reciprocating screw within the housing connected to the motor via the gear structure for rotation at the second speed;
- a spool in direct rotational communication with the motor for rotation at the first speed;
- and,
- a winch line with a first end and a second end;
- the first end connected to the spool for winding the winch line evenly around the spool as guided by the reciprocating screw;
- the second end extending from the housing and for connecting to a payload.
A method for retracting a winch line having a first end for spooling and a second end for connecting to a payload when the second end is in an extended position, the method comprising the following steps:
- controlling a motor to generate a rotational force at first speed and causing a reciprocating screw to rotate at a second speed lower than the first speed and for guiding the line onto a spool;
- the rotational force for retracting the winch line from the extended position towards a retracted position;
- determining a speed of the second end;
- determining a force value being applied to the second end;
- adjusting the first speed based on the force value towards a desired speed of the second end;
- and,
- repeating the steps until a certain number of rotations of the motor have occurred that correspond to the second end reaching a retracted position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.